How The November Election Might Affect The Legalization Of Cannabis

The-CapitolAs the November election draws closer, the issue of legalizing cannabis has been a much-discussed topic. Earlier this month, Greenhouse Grower reported that up to five state initiatives that would legalize adult use of cannabis — and another that would approve medical uses — are likely to be on ballots this fall. Come November 9, more than half of U.S. states may allow some form of legalized cannabis.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll, American voters are pretty closely divided on cannabis, with 54% saying that “marijuana should be made legal in the United States,” with no other qualifications.

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There is a gender gap, according to the poll. Men support a general legalization of marijuana by a margin of 60% yes to 37% no, while women are more divided, with 48% in favor and 46% opposed (the remaining numbers in each poll are undecided).
About 62% of Republicans are opposed to legalization, while 65% of Democrats support it.

In terms of age, almost 70% of people between the ages of 18 and 34 support cannabis legalization, while 57% of voters more than 65 years old are opposed.

Where Do The Presidential Candidates Stand?

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The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) looked into the background of each presidential candidate based on their previous comments, and offered some of the following assessments (check out the MPP website for a more in-depth analysis of each candidate’s position and how they “graded” with MPP).

Hillary Clinton:
• Has expressed support for legal access to medical marijuana and more research into the medical benefits of marijuana.
• In 2014, when asked about the legalization laws approved in Colorado and Washington, she said states are the laboratories of democracy, and she wants to see what happens in those states prior to taking a position in support or opposition to such laws.

Donald Trump:
• Opposes legalizing and regulating marijuana for adult use.
• Supports legal access to medical marijuana, and believes states should be able to set their own marijuana policies with regard to adult use.

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